I walk on to a mega Rangers anthem - here's the dream Old Firm and darts New Year double I've mapped out
Northern Ireland star begins his quest for World Darts Championship glory and has sights set on January 3rd for two different reasons
Rangers-daft Josh Rock has his eyes fixed on a dream double - insisting victory in the World Darts Championship final and a win for the Ibrox club against Celtic on the same day would be the perfect way to bring in the New Year.
The 24-year-old begins his quest for darting glory against Gemma Hayter in the first round at Ally Pally this evening and is considered a serious contender to lift the title on January 3 as he aims to cap off an excellent year.
And ‘Rocky’ has mapped out his ideal scenario should he reach the final. Hours earlier, his beloved Light Blues will have been in Old Firm action against Celtic at Parkhead.
And Rock, who was at Hampden Park for the previous head-to-head between Glasgow big two in the Premier Sports Sports Cup semi-final, hopes they can banish memories of a crushing extra-time defeat when Danny Rohl’s men head across the city.
The prospect of a Rangers win coupled with an outing in his sport’s biggest showpiece event has Rock beyond excited.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Rock smiled: “Wake up, Watch the Old Firm. Rangers win. And then go and win the World Championship. I think you couldn’t get better January the 3rds than that, definitely not!
“I was actually at the Old Firm, the last one at Hampden. So, obviously disappointed about that. I still enjoyed the day.”
Darts star unconvinced Rangers can mount title challenge
New head coach Rohl has got Rangers’ winning games again domestically since taking the reins from Russell Martin, but Northern Irishman Rock isn’t convinced his beloved Gers are ready to mount a title challenge.
He conceded: “Rangers have not got the players and they made a big mistake not appointing Stevie Gerrard. He said no and then they made a big mistake not appointing Kevin Muscat.
“Danny just went with the head coach role. Hopefully, maybe he talks to the owners on transfers and maybe get different people in, but we have not got the squad to win it now.”
Rangers face Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, with Rock aiming to replicate what Derek McInnes’ side are currently doing and upset the favourites when he takes to the Ally Pally stage.
Rock aims to upset the favourites at Alexandra Palace
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are dominating the darts scene at present, but Rock will have gained plenty of confidence from his recent World Cup triumph alongside Daryl Gurney - managing to take his form to another level this season.
“I hope so,” said the County Antrim ace when quizzed on his chances of being in the mix for this year’s tournament. “Clearly. I’m not there to lose the World Championship. I’m there to try my best to win it.
“Obviously, if you look at my form this year, the TV’s been fantastic. But when the Lukes are winning everything, you can’t really say much about it. I’ve only been in the game three and a half years. It’s definitely my best season so far.”
Rock’s walk-on song is DJ Krissy’s ‘Welcome to the Party’, further emphasising how much he adores Rangers.